Caltech's President Everhart Announces Resignation Effective Next Year

PASADENA—Thomas E. Everhart has announced his intention to step down as president of the California Institute of Technology on or shortly after September 1, 1997.

According to Dr. Everhart's announcement to the Caltech faculty, students, and staff, "I will have served a decade as president by that time, and I have always thought that institutions, like people, need renewal: new ideas, new vigor, possibly new directions. In that sense, it is time for a change."

"I am notifying you of my plans now for two reasons," Everhart, 64, explained. "First, it is important that there be sufficient time to plan a smooth transition between my term here and that of my successor. Second, a number of Caltech's important goals can be more effectively accomplished if there is no ambiguity about the timing of presidential succession.

"I am proud of this institution, and all that has been achieved during my time here, both on campus and at JPL. Although Caltech, like all research universities, may face uncertain times in the days ahead, we have the traditions, the people, and the facilities to face them with optimism.

"My wife Doris and I have made many friends here during the past nine years, and expect to make more during the year ahead. The support of the Caltech community has been remarkable and we greatly appreciate it. I am looking forward to 1996-97, from frosh camp to commencement."

During his tenure, Everhart has overseen the construction of the Keck Observatory in Hawaii and the Moore Laboratory of Engineering, Avery House, and the Fairchild Library; the dedication of the Beckman Institute; and the successful completion of the $350 million Campaign for Caltech.

Caltech's Board of Trustees will initiate the search process for a new president in the near future. Dr. Everhart is the fifth person to lead "modern day" Caltech. His predecessors were Robert A. Millikan (1921-45), Lee A. DuBridge (1946-68), Harold Brown (1969-77), and Marvin Goldberger (1978-87).